Religious group defends Ahlquist

CRANSTON, RI (WPRI) - There was plenty of support Tuesday afternoon for Jessica Ahlquist.

The teen atheist is at the center of the prayer banner controversy.

Local clergy came together on Tuesday at the Edgewood Congregational Church condemning what they call inappropriate language used by some to describe Ahlquist.

“We believe that the majority of people want the hateful speech to stop,” says Rev. Dr. Don Anderson of RI State Council of Churches.

“Must we always kill the prophets and stone to death those who sent us,” says Rev. Betsy Garland.

Tuesday’s action comes one week after hundreds came out to ask the Cranston School Committee to appeal a federal judge’s decision that the prayer banner must come down.

“I already won the lawsuit and the judge made the right decision obviously,” Jessica Ahlquist said.

Tuesday’s meeting was held by the Rhode Island State Council of Churches.

Executive Minister Reverend Dr. Don Anderson says he decided to hold the meeting because of emails he has received asking them to stick up for Ahlquist.

Several of the clergy members who came out Tuesday also say they have history in Cranston.

Several of them even attended Cranston High School West.